Hailey
A $19.5 million class-action settlement resolves claims that phone calls placed to Californians by a Wells Fargo vendor were recorded without proper consent, allegedly violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
Payments are calculated per recorded call, with an estimated minimum of about $86 per eligible call and a potential maximum up to $5,000 per call, subject to the total number of valid claims.
Who Was Eligible
You (or your business) were in the class if you received at least one telephone call from the vendor on behalf of Wells Fargo between October 22 2014 and November 17 2023, while in California. Both consumers and businesses could qualify.
Claim Status in November 2025
- The claims deadline was April 11 2025 (now passed).
- The court’s final approval hearing was May 20 2025.
- Payments to timely claimants have begun rolling out in late 2025. If you filed on time, you should watch for mail or direct deposit notices from the administrator.
If you missed the deadline, late claims are generally not paid in class actions; however if you filed and haven’t been paid, you should contact the settlement administrator to check your status.
How Payouts Are Calculated
Your payout depends on:
- Number of qualifying recorded calls linked to your phone number or business name;
- Total valid claims submitted (the class fund is shared pro-rata across approved claims);
- Any court-approved fees/expenses deducted from the fund.
While $5,000 per call is the stated upper bound, most claimants can expect around $86 per eligible call, potentially higher or lower depending on overall claims volume.
How to Claim (for those who filed on time)
If you already submitted a claim by the deadline:
- Monitor your email or mail for any requests (such as a tax form or additional documentation) from the administrator.
- Respond quickly to any documentation requests to avoid delays.
- Watch for payment via check or direct deposit as instructed by the settlement site.
Quick Facts
| Item | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Case Name | Class-action settlement involving Wells Fargo and a vendor for recorded calls |
| Total Fund | $19.5 million |
| Class Period | Oct 22 2014 – Nov 17 2023 |
| Who Qualified | California consumers & businesses who received at least one covered call |
| Per-Call Estimate | Approx. $86 per eligible call, up to $5,000 per call |
| Claim Deadline | April 11 2025 |
| Final Approval Date | May 20 2025 |
| Payment Timing | Distributions underway in late 2025 for timely claimants |
Red Flags & Tips (Stay Safe)
- Beware of scams. The official settlement site and administrator handle all communications; avoid third-party “fee” services.
- Keep records. Save your claim confirmation and any emails/letters until your payment clears.
- Address changes? Promptly notify the administrator to avoid returned or uncashed checks.
The Wells Fargo $5,000 settlement is real, but highly specific: it covers California calls that were recorded without consent between 2014 and 2023.
With the April 11 2025 deadline now closed, only timely, approved claimants will be paid—and payouts will vary.
Most claimants should expect around $86 per recorded call, though amounts may be higher depending on the total number of valid claims filed.
If you submitted your claim on time, keep an eye on the administrator’s updates and ensure that your mailing or banking details are accurate so you don’t miss your money.
FAQs
Is everyone getting $5,000?
No. The $5,000 figure is a per-call maximum. Actual payouts are usually around $86 per eligible call and could vary substantially depending on the number of valid claims.
I live outside California—am I eligible?
This settlement specifically targets calls to California recipients by the vendor during the class period. If your calls were not to California numbers, you likely do not qualify.
Can I still file a claim now?
No. The claims window closed on April 11 2025. If you already filed, look out for payment updates; if you missed it, unfortunately late claims are not typically paid.